UPDATE 10/26: The F11 Touring LCI facelift has now been spotted. This particular prototype is equipped with the xenon headlight option which retains the circular angel eyes/corona rings. The LED headlight option (previously spotted on the gray F10 5 Series sedan prototype) will feature the new squared off angel eyes.

The first F10 5 Series Sedan and F07 5 Series GT LCI (facelift) update prototypes have now been spotted. This will facelift the entire 5 Series lineup, including the F10 sedan, F11 touring, F07 GT, and the F10 M5.

We have information which shows production for the F10 LCI as beginning in July 2013, with deliveries starting in August/September of 2013.

EXTERIOR

The prototype F10 LCI shows slightly sportier side mirrors, with integrated turn signals (still camouflaged). The grey F10 LCI prototype below is equipped with a new LED headlights option with squared off angel eyes/corona rings. The standard xenon lights will retain circular angel eyes. The tail light graphics will receive a new look.

The front and rear bumpers will also receive styling updates. We can already make out one of the biggest styling changes in the front fascia - a new character line appears between the upper part of the kidney grilles and the area right above the headlights, which should give the headlight/grille area a more aggressive look. The M Sport package aero parts will also receive a slight refresh, as well as the F10's optional M Performance accessories parts.

POWERTRAIN

The updated F10 5 Series will cure one of the F10's main complaints - poor steering. The F10's steering is being re-engineered to be more communicative. The changes will also apply to the touring and GT models.

The 535i models will receive the inline turbo 6 cylinder engine which will replace the current N55 and is expected to debut in the F32 4 Series Coupe. Expect the 550i models to be powered by the uprated V8 N63Tu (the update to the N63 engine) which recently appeared in the F07 550i GT and is good for +45hp / +30 lb-ft torque over the N63 engine.

F10 M5

The F10 M5 should see the same lighting updates (headlights, tail lights, and perhaps integrated turn signal in its mirror), and potentially the new character line between the grilles and headlights as well, but we expect it to retain its current front and rear bumper designs. Overall, the F10 M5 should receive minimal exterior updates.

While I can't say I expected the facelift so soon, it doesn't surprise me considering all the steering, weight and sportiness issues. I also hope that new screen from the f12 6er doesn't come to 5er because present one looks much more classy. Looking forward to the new headlights like those from 7er which are simply stunning, more powerful engines to take on that audi a6 down, and hopefully standard adaptive suspension with improved electric steering because it would do the car much more justice than it is now...

Wonder how much of a premium they will charge for these changes. Also wondering as well for ED delivery, do we need to wait until July to place order for LCI changes? Do they also do wheel design changes as well?

It seems like people in the US just started getting their M5s and they're already seeing updated, improved (subjective) versions of their new cars. That sucks

Quote:

Originally Posted by xtose92

I would be FURIOUS if i spent upwards of 100k on an M5 and I saw this news today. Not cool, US owners are just starting to get their cars. A year old R8 is starting to look better and better.

Yes, it does suck but this is to be expected. The E60 LCI came the year following the M5's introduction, the same happened with the E90 (M3 was introduced for the 2008 model year in the U.S., which was the last pre-LCI year), and I expect that the same thing will happen with the F80 M3 when the F30 gets its LCI.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SamS

Same thing happened when the E90 M3 came out. Was introduced (in most places) for MY2008, then MY2009 came out with LCI changes for the E90s.